Health Care Proxy and Advance Health Directives
It can be uncomfortable to discuss medical scenarios or contemplate your own death. However, if you don't have that conversation and express your wishes, your loved ones may someday be confronted with agonizing decisions about what to do.
With the right documents in place, you can have peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and that your family members will be spared from difficult choices and disputes. The attorneys of Vergilis, Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP, can help you draft a health care proxy and a living will as part of your estate plan.
New York Health Care Proxy Attorneys
A health care proxy designates a family member or other appointee to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are physically incapacitated (in a coma, for instance) or mentally incapacitated (from dementia, for example). The appointee is empowered to represent your interests regarding any aspect of health care, from authorizing surgery or "heroic measures" to decisions about medications, treatment and nursing home care.
Your proxy can see your medical records, talk to your doctors and act in your place to voice your wishes or make decisions. Without that authority, physicians may be prevented from taking certain beneficial actions, and family members may also be conflicted, unable to act or unable to get information.
Living Wills for End-of-Life Care
A living will, or health directive, spells out your wishes for specific scenarios such as heart stoppage, brain death/vegetative state or terminal illness or injuries. It gives direction to the medical staff as well as your loved ones regarding measures you do or don't want:
- DNR (do not resuscitate) orders
- Heroic measures and basic life support (CPR, injections, transfusions)
- Advanced life support (artificial breathing, pacemaker, dialysis, etc.)
- Palliative care (pain medication/sedation)
- Organ donation
- Religious rites and other end-of-life matters
Protect Your Wishes and Guide Your Loved Ones
Our experienced and compassionate lawyers will gently walk you through these difficult issues to help you declare your wishes in clear and enforceable terms.
We provide estate planning throughout the Hudson Valley, with three convenient office locations. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with our Poughkeepsie living will attorneys.
